A scientific breakthrough has revealed the extent to which human intelligence is determined by our genes.

A recent study of almost 80,000 people – 60,000 adults and 20,000 children – uncovered 40 new genes that are linked to intelligence. This brings the number of genes known to have a bearing on our IQs to 52.

It’s believed that this newly unearthed haul of intelligence-linked genes can account for about 5% of difference in people’s IQs.

The researchers behind the study have added a caveat to this by stating that various other factors beyond genetics are known to contribute to our IQs and general intelligence.

Nevertheless, it’s hoped that this latest discovery could eventually enable scientists to better answer the nature versus nurture question when it comes to understanding the roots of our intelligence.

Scientists will have to scan millions of genomes to find all the other genes that are linked to intelligence